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By Lisa Lombardi

Changing diapers is a rite of passage for every new parent. But don't worry. You'll get really good at it in no time because you'll be changing so many of them! Read on for some great diapering advice.

How to become a diapering pro

No one is an instant expert at diapering. And each baby has her own opinion about the whole process: Some will lie still, some will wiggle, some will kick and scream- and most will do all three. Here are some tips to make diapering a snap:

Find a sturdy changing surface. A table or the floor is a good place- each has its advantages and disadvantages. There's less bending, crouching, and kneeling with a table, but a floor is less expensive and always handy- and baby can never fall off the floor. If you choose to use a changing table, get one that puts baby at about waist height.

Keep a hand on the baby. Never turn your back on your baby when she's on her changing table. Keep one hand on her at all times during a diaper change- it will make both of you feel more secure.

Bond with your baby. You'll spend a lot of time with your baby on the changing table, so why not make it fun for both of you? Changing your child's diaper is a great opportunity to touch, talk, and connect.

Use baby wipes. For the first few months, your baby's skin may be sensitive to the ointments or lotions in prepackaged wipes, so you may choose to use a warm, clean, soft washcloth to gently wipe baby's bottom. Later, you can use any of the popular and economical moist baby wipes available at local stores.

Clean thoroughly. Wiping your baby's bottom clean will help prevent diaper rashes and keep her smelling baby-fresh. When wiping, always wipe from front to back, which helps reduce the chance of spreading infections from stools.

Prevent diaper rash. If your baby gets a diaper rash, apply a diaper ointment, which will soothe her tender bottom and provide a protective barrier to guard against further irritation.

With boys, watch out. To avoid being splashed if your baby boy starts to urinate while you're diapering him, place a soft cloth over his penis until you can get the diaper positioned correctly.

Secure diapers properly. How you get the diaper to stay on your baby depends on whether you're using disposable or cloth diapers.

Disposable diapers

Go for a snug fit. Disposable diapers come with tape or Velcro strips attached to the back panel that fasten in the front. When fastening a disposable diaper, make sure it's not too tight. You don't want to constrict your baby's tummy. But left too loose, even the most expensive elasticized disposable will leak.

Cloth diapers

Secure the diaper with safety pins. To prevent a pin from sticking your baby, keep your fingers between the pin and baby's skin- better that you get stuck than baby. And always check the pin to make sure it is securely locked. Add protective plastic or nylon pants or a diaper cover for added security and waterproofing.

In the swim?

Say "no" to ordinary diapers when it comes to playtime in the swimming pool. Diapers are for protection, not swimming. They'll quickly absorb water and become too heavy. What's more, they pose a sanitary problem. Select a baby swimsuit or disposable diapers that are specially designed for swimming instead, and change baby's diaper immediately before going into the water.

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